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December 5, 2016

Transitioning from Institution to the Community

Many states are emphasizing the need for more community
integration and reducing the number of people who are in state hospitals for
the mentally disabled. This is a
challenge for both the human service professionals tasked with coordinating the
transition as well as the client. In some cases, people have spent decades in
state institutions and will have to adjust to life back in the community. There are also some situations when the institution
was used as the most appropriate alternative to incarceration. Whatever the reason for institutionalization,
it requires a great deal of coordination between the case manager and other agencies
on the treatment team when the time comes to return to the community. I will review the general steps taken when
transitioning someone from an institution back into the community.

Determine Eligibility

One of the first steps in the transition process is to
determine eligibility for services. The
case manager reviews documentation such as psychological reports and any other
reports available from the hospital to determine the most appropriate services
after discharge. The case manager might also conduct needs assessments to
determine eligibility. Level of functioning assessments are often utilized to
determine eligibility for Intellectual Disability Services. These assessments are also referred to as
functional assessments. Functional assessments vary from state to state but
generally cover the following areas to determine eligibility for services:

*Medical- This area covers any health related issues that
requires assistance from support staff or other health professionals. Some
areas of need that might be evaluated include:

1. Assistance with medication administration

2. Assistance with eating

3. Chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, obesity,
etc.)

*Task Learning- This area measures the ability to follow instructions
such as completing one to two step instructions, simple math, telling time,
etc.

*Self-Care- This section measures the client’s ability to
complete hygiene activities on their own or if support is needed.

*Communication- This area evaluates the client’s ability to
communicate verbally or through gestures or signs. Limited communication skills
will likely result in meeting a high level of need in this area.

*Mobility- The ability to walk or operate a wheelchair as
well as other movements such as getting up from a seated position or
positioning in the bed is determined in this section of the assessment.

*Behavior- Any history of aggressive or inappropriate
behaviors will met the level of need in this area.

*Community Living Skills- This area measures the ability to
live independently and the level of support needed to complete normal
activities of daily living.

Coordinate Funding

After completing functional assessments to determine
eligibility, the funding source must be determined. From my experience, clients who are dually
diagnosed with intellectual disability and a mental health or substance abuse
tend to benefit from Medicaid Waiver
services. The waiver services tend to provide a wider range of services than
mental health services.

Clients with just a mental health diagnosis will need
additional assistance applying for housing assistance
and assistance with obtaining benefits.

Assist with Finding a
Provider

Typically before discharge, the case manager might assist
with finding a residential provider. In most situations, a potential
residential provider must be established before a hospital will approve the
discharge. Case managers can assist in
this process by providing information on available resources, locating homes
with vacancies, and coordinating tours. The hospital staff will most likely be
responsible for accompanying the client on the tours before discharge.

Coordinating Support
Services

Once the provider has been located and chosen, case managers
then take over and coordinate the admission to the new community home
placement. Just some of the coordination
efforts include:

*Applying for Medicaid (If Applicable)

*Confirming discharge/move in dates

*Authorize Services (If Applicable for Waiver services)

*Developing a Treatment Plan

*Assist with finding additional support services
such as day support, employment, counseling, etc.